Today’s news in brief – 13/02/24

Caffè Nero has announced “strong trading” for the first half of 2024, including sales growth of 17% over the same period last year as sales for H1 2024 hit £265m. In the UK, Caffè Nero reported sales of £200m, representing strong overall growth of 10.1%. 

Drinks sales in pubs and bars saw the fourth successive week of decline, dropping 0.6% for the week ending 3 February with train strikes adding to the challenges facing operators. Footfall was also hit by rolling train strikes, which contributed to year-on-year drops in sales of 11% on 30 January and 7% on 3 February, despite the opening games in the Six Nations rugby tournament.

SSP has secured a new 10-year deal with Liverpool John Lennon Airport. As part of the contract extension, SSP has announced that all of its existing units will be refurbished, rebranded or extended. Additional outlets will also be created, increasing the capacity of SSP’s restaurants by nearly half.

Taylor Shaw has extended its catering contract with Elliott Hudson College in Leeds. Taylor Shaw’s contract extension was fuelled by its “commitment to innovation”. Elliott Hudson is the first college to have implemented a fully digital catering service and runs a fully cashless operation.